Yesterday was the 50th anniversary of the death of Sir Winston Churchill. It brings back particular memories for me as my brother was one of the sailors pulling the gun carriage which carried his coffin. I remember him telling me that they had been rehearsing for some time before his death and would march along the streets in the middle of the night. The day was a bitterly cold day and they were not allowed to wear their coats so they all wore pyjamas under their uniform. I don't have a photograph of him from that day but I photographed these ones from a display at Chartwell in Kent, Churchill's home.
It was a bitterly cold day when I visited Chartwell this week. The house wasn't open but the you could walk around the grounds.
The camellia was in full flower.
Oh how wonderful to have this piece of history in your family. I love that they wore pyjamas to keep warm. These stories make it more real. Have a wonderful week x
ReplyDeleteTo be honest thanks to Churchill we were under Russia control since 1945 - 1990. It was a bad time luckily now we are independent..
ReplyDeleteSuch an historic place and great that you have a personal connection to the funeral. This very short video was posted on his blog by John Gray of Wales.
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/6kPrTWsotlg
Interesting to see Chartwell in the winter. The gardens certainly look different, but the views are still so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteNods to your reminiscing. :O) Per the comment above...every person who takes a stand will have supporters and detractors. Such is life. I'd rather blame the Russians for what the Russians did. Either that, or we would have continued WW2 for another decade, when Europe was already in a shambles.
ReplyDeleteI do remember that funeral very well, it was very impressive. Very special your brother was one of the sailors.
ReplyDeleteThat would have been a great honor, and to have a member of your family having been part of the action is very interesting indeed.
ReplyDeleteI remember quite well the funeral of Winston Churchill .We saw it on TV. We were all impressed by the ceremonies.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post.
Wil, ABCW Team
That's some history to have your family be part of!
ReplyDeleteThats a good family story - and so much easier to share these days.
ReplyDeleteCheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
One of the best man at our wedding worked in Chartwell, he was Churchill's butler ! I have never seen this place, except in "escape to the country" !
ReplyDeleteVery historic place
ReplyDeleteFascinating post and shots and made more so by you family memories.
ReplyDeletewhat an amazing memory for your brother. Such a shame you don't have a photo. Family memories are so precious to us in later years. It looks like a beautiful garden to walk around. Have a lovely week and thank you for stopping by my blog this week.
ReplyDeleteIn can't imagine that just anyone would have been chosen for that somber historic role. Thank you for sharing this...Janey
ReplyDeleteQuite an honor for your older brother! And a wonderful family story. And lovely of you to share the story honoring this complex and amazing man ... Imagine history would be without him!
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